Assessment

Students at St. Mary School are assessed in Reading, Language, Math, Social Studies, and Science using the Terra Nova Tests. These are administered each fall to students in grades 2, 4, 6 & 8. The Terra Nova provides comparisons of student performance by using nationally representative norms. St. Mary School students consistently score above the national averages. In fact, our school earned Blue Ribbon accolades as our scores are among the top 10% in the nation.

St. Mary School is committed to forming a Catholic Worldview in the hearts and minds of all students. Our students should not only come to know their faith through Scripture and the Catechism, but they encounter Christ through the sacraments and in community. In grades 5 and 8 St. Mary School students participate in the National Catholic Education Association ACRE assessment. Based upon the 4 Pillars of the Catechism (Creed, Liturgy/Sacraments, Christ and Prayer) the ACRE measures both Faith Knowledge and Attitudes. SMS students exceed the national averages. In 2008, 93% of our grade 8 students scored in the Proficient or Advanced range.

Each year, teachers in the Archdiocese evaluate writing samples of students in grades 3, 5, & 7. St. Mary School students are educated in the Six Traits of Writing. This framework provides SMS students with the skills needed to be proficient in written expression.